Information to assist you with your upcoming trip to Howard County MD District Court
You may have received a traffic violation in Howard County, MD. If you decide to contest the ticket, then you will have to appear in Howard County District Court. Below is a guide to what you can expect on your day in court. This article deals only with the practical aspects of the court house and does not address the legal process of fighting your ticket. If you would like more information on challenging your Howard County MD traffic ticket case, you can click here to contact a lawyer.
Parking
The address to the court house is 3451 Court House Dr, Ellicott City, MD 21043. There is ample free parking in the parking lot just outside the court house. Further, there is overflow parking just to the south of the main lot. There are also electric charging stations.
Entering the Court House
You’ll need to go through a security check. You will have to put all metal objects into a tray. You will have to remove your belt.
Docket Monitor
After you clear security, you will see a monitor screen on the wall. Take a moment and find your name. You will see your corresponding courtroom. Courtrooms are usually divided up into payable and must appear tickets.
Inside the courtroom
The morning session is usually slated for an 8:30 AM start time. The afternoon session is usually scheduled for a 1:00 PM start. But, you should check the letter the court sent you as they sometimes stagger the cases through-out the day. Hence, it’s not unusual to have a 10:00 AM docket. The court room doors will almost always be unlocked and opened by this time. However, the actual start time is sometimes a bit delayed. Find a seat and wait for your case to be called. About 5 minutes before the judge takes the bench, a bailiff will give courtroom etiquette instructions regarding food, drink and cell phones.
A word on cell phones
I would recommend you keep them turned off completely. If they go off while the judge is on the bench, your cell phone may very likely be taken away. If they take your cell, you will most likely have to wait until the entire session is over to get it back. Also, don’t hold your phone in your hand and look at the screen. If you need to call or text, you can go right outside the door into the hallway.
When your case is called…
Quickly stand up and move to the table designated for defendants. If you plan to plead not guilty, then the clerk or bailiff will have you raise your right hand and swear you in. The officer will present their case. You will then have the opportunity to cross examine the officer and to present your own case. The court will listen to both sides and make a decision.
Paying your fine
If the court imposes a fine, you will be expected to pay it the same day. However, if you need additional time to pay, you can ask the judge and he/she may extend your payment due date. If you owe a fine, you will be given paperwork. Take the paperwork down the hall to the cashier’s window. They will process your payment.
In conclusion
Representing yourself for a payable traffic ticket is certainly an option. However, hiring a lawyer for your traffic violation does have benefits. One of the primary benefits of using an attorney is that you will not have to appear in court. Your lawyer can appear for you. A lawyer can negotiate with the officer to lower your charges. Your attorney can argue your case in front of the judge. You can click here if you are interested in finding an affordable lawyer to represent you in Howard County, MD District Court. Thank you.